Winchesters City bridge closed as unsafe, built by at St Swithin 1000 years ago. Winchester's historic old bridge, the Winchester City bridge, has been closed to vehicle traffic because it is unsafe. The bridge was originally built over the Ichen by St Swithin in 852-863 A.D. It has been rebuilt many times since then, the present structure having been constructed in 1813. Repairs are now being carried out. 22 October 1937